I Will Try to Save My Dad - Chapter 98

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 98

They were still discussing the maid’s uniform.
It was such sensational gossip that even seasoned investigators found themselves captivated.
‘Even if they declare him innocent, the fact that Lucian wore a maid’s uniform will absolutely make tomorrow’s newspaper.’
It was the kind of scandal that would tarnish the image of a prominent figure. People who read the newspaper article would spread the story to those around them, and rumors would proliferate like wildfire in no time.
“Huh?”
Proliferate like wildfire?
At the sound of my muttering, Theon and Jeffrey turned to look at me.
The three of us were models for Father’s children’s clothing brand, which was about to launch. We happened to be riding in the carriage together with Lucian, the diplomat in the maid’s uniform.
“Berry, did you forget something inside?”
“No, Theon. Berry seems like she’s about to cause trouble. She’s smirking.”
Jeffrey, who had witnessed the corners of my mouth rising, whispered to Theon.
Theon didn’t react strongly, but he gave a small nod.
I should have been more concerned about my reputation within the Secret Society than about Lucian—
“Demian!”
At my call, both Demian and the Branch Director turned to look at me.
I asked Demian with a giggle.
“Can the Investigation Bureau send telegrams too?”

***

“Thank you for your service. Safe travels, Lord Alexis.”
With Demian’s farewell, Lucian left the Investigation Bureau.
The bright blue sky that had greeted him upon arrival was now painted with deep crimson hues of dusk.
He had wondered whether Reytan Quartz Trabel would believe his absurd plan, but contrary to his worries, the conversation had gone well.
Because Reytan understood Belesa’s nature well, despised her, and shared the objective of protecting Berry from her, their interests aligned in many respects.
Lucian himself also believed that Belesa’s methods this time had crossed a moral line.

“Since the Central Investigation Bureau is now involved, Her Highness will find other means to solidify her standing with her own people. You need not worry too much for the time being.”
“For the time being? I told her to never show her face again. Ever.”

Lucian did not know what had transpired between Reytan and Belesa.
But he could tell that Reytan despised Belesa far more than he had initially thought. Every time the princess was mentioned, Reytan’s expression transformed as though he were remembering an enemy.
And true to Reytan’s promise, Lucian had gained his freedom. Along with fresh clothes.

“Good day, Lucian Alexis. It is truly an honor to meet someone of your renown. I am Pierre O. Trang, manager of the Trang Clothing Shop here in Hisport Town. Reytan Quartz Trabel mentioned that he greatly admired your avant-garde sense of style—or rather, your fashion sense that transcends the current era—and asked me to send you a garment as a token of his appreciation.”
“…The measurements are remarkably precise. The design is also exquisite.”
“I am delighted that it pleases you. Reytan Quartz Trabel provided the measurements himself. He directed every detail, from the design down to the very necktie. It suits you perfectly. Truly, I have long known that our Reytan Quartz Trabel possesses an exceptional eye for aesthetics, but…! To create a garment that complements Lucian Alexis so flawlessly on the first attempt, and to recall and select even a single accessory from our shop—even if I were reborn dozens of times, I could never achieve such-!”
“…”

What had begun as praise for how well the garment suited him had gradually transformed into admiration and accolades directed toward Reytan Quartz Trabel.
To be honest, I too was pleased with the clothing Reytan Quartz Trabel had sent. Given that I bore the epithet “the face of the Edencia Kingdom,” I could hardly afford to neglect my appearance. It was my daily habit to rotate through garments from various renowned clothiers. My wardrobe was constantly refreshed with fashionable pieces and accessories, and I did not overlook my interest in attire.
Even by my discerning eye, Reytan Quartz Trabel’s taste was exceptional. In the past two years, had I worn anything that pleased me as much as this? I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the Investigation Bureau’s window.
It was a formal style frequently worn by Heishal Empire nobility. Because it fit my frame perfectly, it appeared neither excessive nor ostentatious. My natural advantages—my considerable height and broad shoulders—were showcased effortlessly.
If a photograph were taken now, the newspapers would surely compete to publish my image, proclaiming that Lucian Alexis had once again redefined beauty standards.
“…”
I lifted my gaze. The investigators who had been pressed against the windows on the second and third floors, peering down at me, vanished in a flurry the moment our eyes met.
And therein lay my melancholy.
Tomorrow’s newspapers would contain nothing but talk of my maid’s uniform.
‘The Alchemists…’
I wished to sue the alchemist who had sold me such a potion, but that would only amount to reopening a case that had barely been closed with a finding of no charges.
“Are you well, Commander?”
Tory, who had poked his face out from the opening of the bag I was carrying, spoke. As I began to walk, I asked my subordinate in a dejected tone.
“Tory, would the waters of the Dexinao River be warm?”
“It’s autumn, so it would be cold.”
Tory replied. Though small in stature, he was a golden hamster demi-human who had lived for thirty years. He had lived long enough to readily answer questions about the water temperature of the Dexinao River, the longest and widest river in the Edencia Kingdom.
“Let us return for now. I must report to Princess Belesa.”
“Report? The news has already reached Belesa’s ears.”
Whether or not her eyes and ears extended even to the Investigation Bureau, at the very least word would have reached her that my plan had ended in complete failure and that Reytan Quartz Trabel was present during the interrogation.
I searched for a carriage for hire and began to move.
“Commander, shall we just leave? Will you not request that the Embassy send a carriage?”
“The Embassy’s ears have surely heard as well…”
If I gave the order, the Edencia Kingdom’s Embassy would send a carriage at once, but word of the maid’s uniform incident would have spread there too.
Despite my impeccable appearance, my shoulders began to slump. Suddenly, someone darted forward and blocked my path.
“Lucian Alexis!”
“How insolent! Who dares obstruct the path of your superior!”
Tory burst from the bag and leaped onto the figure’s shoulder. A small blade that fit perfectly in his small hand gleamed with a sharp edge, aimed at the suspicious person’s throat.
It was a woman in her early twenties wearing glasses. A camera hung around her neck, and a notepad was clutched in her hand. Brown trousers and a shirt.
The attire was familiar to me—the dress of a journalist.
“Tory, she’s a journalist.”
“Let her remember that she lives by the Commander’s grace. Disrespectful wretch.”
“I-I apologize. I came to the Investigation Bureau today and wished to ask Lucian Alexis a few questions about the matter.”
Tory sheathed his blade and returned to the bag. I addressed the journalist.
“Which publication do you represent?”
“I am Pepper, a journalist with the Daily Sunrise.”
It was a famous newspaper of the Heishal Empire. When Lucian nodded, the dull gleam behind her glasses sharpened into something keen and penetrating.
Pepper flipped open her notepad, her pen moving with fervent purpose as words tumbled from her lips without pause.
“I offer my sincere condolences regarding the mistaken arrest. There is one matter I’d like to inquire about—”
Lucian caught a glimpse of what she was scribbling in her notepad.
Upon leaving the Investigation Bureau: not maid’s uniform, refined ivory suit, black accents, genuinely handsome, tall, hamster, ….
His head throbbed. A melancholy settled over him. Even as his spirits sank, the journalist continued her barrage of questions.
“I heard that the maid’s uniform you wore today was created by the Trang Costume Atelier. Was appearing in public wearing a maid’s uniform a bold promotional move aligned with the Trang Costume Atelier’s new slogan of ‘clothing anyone can wear’? What was your reason for demonstrating such an action yourself? I noticed you recently submitted an agenda to the international conference with the theme of ‘respecting cultural differences regarding race, gender, and social class’—was your intention to illustrate that as well? I also heard that the outfit you’re currently wearing was sponsored by the Trang Costume Atelier, and I’m wondering if there’s a connection to the new clothing brand of Reytan Quartz Trabel, the second son of the Trabel Estate….”
Overwhelmed by the torrent of information, I found myself speechless, yet Lucian’s face was gradually coming alive.
There would be no need to check the temperature of the Dexinao River. Someone was saving me.
“Where did you get such information?”
At Lucian’s question, the journalist lifted her eyes from her notepad to meet his gaze.
“From an anonymous informant.”

***

“I submitted the tip anonymously.”
“Excellent!”
At Jack Jack’s report, I threw both arms up in triumph.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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